Kiddie Academy vs Childrens Lighthouse Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Kiddie Academy vs Childrens Lighthouse including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Kiddie Academy Franchise
Childrens Lighthouse Franchise
Investment $345,000 - $5,605,000$440,600 - $630,000
Franchise Fee $135,000$50,000
Royalty Fee 7%7%
Advertising Fee 2%-
Year Founded 19811997
Year Franchised 19921999
Term Of Agreement 15 years15 years
Term Of Agreement 15 years15 years
Renewal Fee Varies-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Kiddie Academy Franchise
Childrens Lighthouse Franchise
Experience People and management skills
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • (qualifications important but not required)
    		•

    Financing Options
     
    Kiddie Academy Franchise
    Childrens Lighthouse Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/Yes
    Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/YesNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/Yes
    Payroll No/NoNo/Yes

    Training & Support
     
    Kiddie Academy Franchise
    Childrens Lighthouse Franchise
    Training Classroom Training: 80 hours Additional Training: Online training4 weeks: 2 weeks of training at the Children's Lighthouse home office, one week of in-school training with seasoned Children's Lighthouse franchise owners and one week of post-opening training in your school.
    Support Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet PlatformMeetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Ad slicks, Regional advertising, Website, Web AdvertisingCo-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising
    Operations 15% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 20

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		 Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 0% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 25

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Expansion Plans
     
    Kiddie Academy Franchise
    Childrens Lighthouse Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoYes

    Company Overviews

    About Kiddie Academy

    It began in 1981 with an idea and a commitment. The idea was how to best combine learning with child care; the commitment was to do it better than anyone else. As you learn more about Kiddie Academy, you will realize we have a lesson plan that works! Reward your family with The Kiddie Academy Difference. When it comes to child care there's Kiddie Academy and then there's everyone else.

    The total investment necessary to begin the operation of a Kiddie Academy® Franchise is $345,000 - $1,035,000 for a leased Kiddie Academy franchised location, and $3,254,500 - $5,605,000 for a purchased Kiddie Academy franchised location. This includes $135,000 in Initial Fees that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.
    Veteran Incentives  $25,000 off franchise fee

    "Top
    #10 in Gator's Top franchises.    
    "Ranked         "Entrepreneur
    #108 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #129 in Franchise 500 for 2021.










    About Childrens Lighthouse

    Childrens Lighthouse is currently offering franchises in all 50 states. We are totally committed to the support and service of our franchises. We've worked hard to develop quality management support systems to help you become successful in your new business. Targeted crew and management training programs, proven local neighborhood marketing tactics, aggressive advertising programs, labor and inventory control aids, equipment and supplies innovations are all examples of Childrens Lighthouse support tools. When you become a Childrens Lighthouse franchisee, you benefit from our many years of business experience. Although we are growing rapidly, we are not so big that you can't join us. Unlike some franchises, there is plenty of development territory still available. We are aggressively seeking new franchisees to expand existing markets as well as develop new ones. Opportunities range from single-unit franchises to multi-unit territories. And, we offer a variety of investment options for you to choose from. With Childrens Lighthouse, you can be in business quickly and at an investment level that best fits your particular situation and initial goals. Our program is designed to guide you from the moment you make the decision to purchase a franchise. In addition to counseling you in necessary financial matters, the most important step is selecting an appropriate site to build your childcare center and gaining exclusivity to that territory. The right location is critical to the success of your center and we have been successful in determining appropriate sites.